Fortenberry views nuclear deal with Iran with caution (AUDIO)

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry views cautiously the deal reached between six countries and Iran to halt its nuclear weapons program.

Iran claims it has a peaceful nuclear program, that it only has developed the program to produce energy for the country. It is a claim met with bald skepticism by the world community that recognizes Iran sits on valuable oil deposits.

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry says Iran is on the pathway to nuclear weapons capability.

Monitoring its activities is the key.

“Well, this is one of the very difficult questions, to insure that the facilities that are known about are not only inspected, but that there is as high of confidence as possible that even more secretive facilities aren’t engaging in this weapons-making technology,” Fortenberry tells Nebraska Radio Network.

The United States and five other countries have reached agreement with Iran to stall, but not end, the Iranian nuclear program. The U.S. insists the agreement does not grant Iran the right to enrich uranium. Yet, Iranian officials have trumpeted just the opposite.

Fortenberry says it is difficult to determine whether the Iranian officials are playing to the domestic audience or are sincere in their belief they have a right to enrich uranium.

Through all the bluster in wake of the agreement, Fortenberry sees opportunity.

“So, this could be a unique opportunity for all parties involved to seize a historic moment again to try to stabilize the current situation and back it down from nuclear weapons development.”

Fortenberry says Congress could prepare for a new round of sanctions against Iran if it doesn’t honor the agreement reached in Geneva.